In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, ⅔ of universities adopted a test-optional policy, not requiring students to submit a Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Testing (ACT) score.

According to Dartmouth College, an institution that began requiring test scores for the class of 2029, a test-optional policy was a short-term solution taken by universities in response to an “unprecedented global pandemic.” Following a new study commissioned by Dartmouth president Sian Beilock, standardized testing was proven to help identify high achieving applicants from low and middle income backgrounds when the standardized testing scores are assessed in the context of a student’s high school.

Research done by the College Board showed that in 2023, 1.3 million U.S. high schoolers had SAT scores that validated or exceeded their GPA. Among these students, 440,000 were African American and Latino, 350,000 were first-generation college students, and 250,000 were from rural communities.

Additionally, Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s dean of admissions Stu Schmill says test scores help MIT “better assess the academic preparedness of all applicants.” However, counselor Ms. Stephanie Brown says test scores are “not an accurate depiction of a student and their success in college.” According to Prep Scholar, high school GPA is a more accurate predictor of a student’s success in college than SAT scores.

Another reason schools are requiring test scores is to reduce stress. According to the University of Pennsylvania, a school that will require test scores from applicants beginning in the 2025-26 cycle, requiring test scores removes submission choice stress. However, Ms. Brown says having to submit SAT scores is often more stressful for students.

“I think colleges should remain test-optional. One test score does not represent a student and how they will perform in college. There are many factors that can influence a student taking or not taking a test, as well as factors that can influence their test score,” she said.

Test-optional policies have benefited students like senior Lauren Sykes. Lauren will be attending the University of Maryland College Park next year and was selected for the honors college. According to UMD, applicants are invited to
the honors college based on their demonstration of “exceptional academic ability and promise.” Lauren was chosen as a test-optional applicant.

“Applying test-optional benefited my application because I think it gave the admissions officer a better look at me as a student. I think that my SAT score did not demonstrate my academic ability as well as my GPA and other parts of my application,” said Lauren.

Some students who applied to test-required schools still prefer test-optional policies. Senior Emily Kiv knew she wanted to apply to test-required schools this year, which she says impacted her experience taking the SAT.

“I took the SAT three different times because I wasn’t happy with my score, and I knew it would impact the way colleges saw my application. It made the test itself a lot more anxious and high stakes for me, which I feel is part of the
reason I didn’t do my best,” said Emily.

Emily says she doesn’t think having to submit her score benefited her application as schools intended.

“I think my SAT score made my application feel more average, despite the fact that I put time and effort into studying for the SAT,” she said. “I prefer test-optional schools because I would like the choice to decide whether I want my test score to be considered depending on the school and its competitiveness. Test-required schools may shoot down qualified applicants because of their SAT score, one single part of their application, was not good enough for them.”

Students like junior Sarena DeLessio, who know they want to apply to test-required schools, will have to deal with taking the SAT.

“I don’t like that the SAT is mandatory at some schools now. I’m really stressed because I’m not a good test taker, I’m not a fast test taker, and I just feel like my academics and performance in class say a lot more about me than a test,” Sarena said.

Over 80% of universities and colleges remain test-optional, according to the U.S. News. Students will continue to have the option of whether or not to submit test scores for most universities next year.